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CE474 Ch4 ApproximateMethods PDF
CE474 Ch4 ApproximateMethods PDF
(Ref: Chapter 7)
During preliminary design and analysis, the actual member dimensions are not usually known.
Approximate analysis is useful in determining (approximately) the forces and moments in the
different members and in coming up with preliminary designs.
Based on the preliminary design, a more detailed analysis can be conducted and then the design can
be refined.
Approximate analysis is conducted by making realistic assumptions about the behavior of the
structure.
Approximate Analysis of Indeterminate Trusses
Example
Find the forces in the truss members
• If diagonals cannot carry compression
• If diagonals can carry compression
ApproximateMethods Page 1
Portal Frames and Trusses
ApproximateMethods Page 2
Case 3: Partial Fixity
Example
Find the forces in the members of the truss
ApproximateMethods Page 3
Frame Structures with Vertical Loads
Example
Find the moments (in the beam) at joints E and C
ApproximateMethods Page 4
Frame Structures with Lateral Loads: Portal Method
Assumptions:
• Internal hinges at the centers of beams and columns
• Shear carried by interior columns is assumed to be
twice of that of the exterior columns.
ApproximateMethods Page 5
Example
Find the reactions at the base of the columns
using the portal method of analysis.
Level 2
Level 1
In a similar way, proceed from the top to bottom, analyzing each of the small pieces.
ApproximateMethods Page 6
Frame Structures with Lateral Loads: Cantilever Method
Assumptions:
• Internal hinges form at the center of beams and columns
• Axial stress in a column is proportional to its distance away from the
centroid of the cross-sectional area of columns.
ApproximateMethods Page 7
Example
Find the reactions at the base of the columns
using the cantilever method of analysis.
Note the areas of cross-sections of the columns
are different.
Once κ (the constant of proportionality) is obtained, one can obtain the column forces FL, FM, FN, and FO.
Then the rest of the analysis would proceed in a similar way to the Portal method, analyzing each of the
small pieces between the assumed hinges from top to bottom.
ApproximateMethods Page 8
Example
Using the cantilever method, find the reactions
at the base of the frame.
All columns have the same cross-sectional area.
ApproximateMethods Page 9
In a similar way, proceed from the top to bottom, analyzing each of the small pieces.
ApproximateMethods Page 10